Texas House Bill HB1582

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the disclosure of all compensation paid to current or former elected officers.

Impact

The enactment of HB1582 will likely enhance governmental transparency by requiring governmental entities to share detailed compensation information publicly. By doing so, the bill aims to foster accountability among elected officials, as constituents will have greater visibility into the financial remuneration associated with political offices. The requirement to post this information on governmental websites will ensure that the disclosures are not only made but are also accessible to the public for scrutiny.

Summary

House Bill 1582 introduces significant changes to the disclosure requirements regarding compensation paid to current and former elected officials within Texas. The bill mandates that any governmental entity that compensates elected officers must disclose all forms of compensation these officials receive during the preceding fiscal year. This encompasses not only salaries but also travel reimbursements, health care premiums, retirement benefits, and other forms of compensation that require reporting to the IRS. This expansive definition aims to ensure that all financial benefits provided to elected officials are transparent and accessible to the public.

Contention

Despite the bill's intention to promote transparency, there are potential points of contention from critics who might argue that the disclosures could invade the privacy of elected officials. Furthermore, opposition may arise concerning the administrative burden imposed on smaller governmental entities, particularly those that may not have robust online platforms for posting such information. The potential increase in public scrutiny may also generate criticism from those who feel it could lead to undue pressure on officials, affecting their service and decision-making processes.

Summary_effective_date

The provisions of HB1582 are set to take effect on September 1, 2015, with the stipulation that it will not require the disclosure of compensation paid prior to that date. This means that the bill will gradually roll out its mandatory transparency requirements after its enactment, providing time for governmental entities to adjust to the new regulations.